Shakira Austin’s ‘proud’ reaction to Sonia Citron’s 26-point game vs. Tempo

The Washington Mystics needed their top players to bail them out on a night when their bench only scored four points, and that’s what happened in Friday’s season-opening win over the Toronto Tempo. Guard/forward Sonia Citron tallied a team-high 26 points (9-12 FG, 3-6 3-point) with two rebounds, two steals, and two blocks over 34 minutes, while center Shakira Austin added 18 points (6-13 FG, 0-1 3-point) with 11 rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and two steals across 28 minutes.

Austin gave Citron her flowers postgame, via The Athletic’s Annie Costabile.

“She’s still the same poised old head, old mentality,” she said. “She’s just so mature from year one. The fact she’s able to top it this year, literally didn’t know she had a 26-ball tonight….I’m really proud to see that side of Soni come out.”

Citron was efficient on a night when Washington shot 39% from the field (21% 3-point) and Toronto shot 27% (20% 3-point). Additionally, the 22-year-old had a +13 plus/minus in a one-possession game.

That’s the type of performance that’s worth a “mature” review from a player three years her senior. Citron is only in her second season, but she’s essentially a veteran on a Mystics squad that’s the youngest in the WNBA with an average age of 23.98 years, per Across the Timeline.

This story is still in progress.

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